At the park, Carla was walking with her friend Victor when a large dog ran toward them. The owner, Denise, called, “He’s friendly!” Carla stepped behind Victor and said, “Please hold on to him.” Denise clipped the leash back on and said, “Sorry, I didn’t think he would run that far.” Victor looked at Denise and said, “It’s better to look out for people who may not be comfortable around dogs.”

Denise nodded and said, “You’re right. I should not brush off someone else’s space.” Carla relaxed and said, “Thank you. I just needed a little distance.” Denise moved the dog to the other side of the path. Victor glanced at Carla because he understood the message behind Denise’s words.

SPEAK

Think about the phrases. Answer in complete sentences.

1. Denise said, “He’s friendly.” What was she trying to explain about the dog?

2. Carla said, “Please hold on to him.” What did she want Denise to do?

3. Victor said, “Look out for people.” What did he want Denise to consider?

4. Denise said she should not “brush off someone else’s space.” What did she realize?

5. Carla said, “I just needed a little distance.” What was she asking for?

6. Which phrase shows being careful about other people?

7. Which phrase shows ignoring or dismissing someone’s concern?

8. Did Denise respond defensively or respectfully? Use the reading to support your answer.

LISTEN

Listen to your teacher’s statement and question. Then answer in complete sentences.

Teacher recording:

“I think Denise meant well, but saying ‘He’s friendly’ was not enough. Carla still needed space, and Denise understood that by the end.”

1. What did the speaker say?

2. Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?

WRITE

Write 5–7 sentences.

Choose two phrases from the reading. Explain what each phrase means and what message it sends in the park situation.

NOTES

hold on to

• What it means:
  To keep something in your hand or keep control of something.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase for objects, bags, papers, animals, or people’s hands.

• Why we use it:
  It shows control or safety.

• Example:
  Carla asked Denise to hold on to the dog.

look out for

• What it means:
  To be careful about someone or protect someone from a problem.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when people need to consider others.

• Why we use it:
  It sends a message of care and awareness.

• Example:
  Victor said Denise should look out for people at the park.

brush off

• What it means:
  To ignore or dismiss something as unimportant.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone does not take a concern seriously.

• Why we use it:
  It helps describe a careless response.

• Example:
  Denise said she should not brush off Carla’s need for space.

a little distance

• What it means:
  Some space between people, animals, or things.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone wants more room.

• Why we use it:
  It sounds calmer than saying “stay away.”

• Example:
  Carla asked for a little distance from the dog.